Regions

Welcome to the South East regional page of the Scottish Land & Estates website. The South East region covers the breadth of Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. The South East region represents members of various interests and needs, which reflects the diverse range of rural businesses and activities our membership is engaged in. Our members are unique and provide economic, social and environmental benefit to the countryside.

South East members interests are represented at a national and regional level, with SLE staff sitting on relevant steering groups, committees and local groups to ensure SLE maintains its influence on topics ranging from rural crime to land reform.

Clare Sturla is your South East Regional Support Officer, who hails from a farm in Devon but has a professional background in politics and event management. Clare has worked in Westminster and Brussels on multiple campaigns, however her interests are firmly rooted in rural matters and ensuring the rural voice is heard.

Trevor Jackson, Chair of the South East Committee runs Charlesfield Farms in St Boswells and plays an important role in representing the views and concerns of South East members.

The activities in the South East region are driven by the South East Regional Workplan, created by the Regional Committee and developed from our members’ feedback. The South East Regional Workplan is focused on the following key areas, which we strive to deliver:

Supporting members’ businesses

Building the profile of SLE members by developing stronger ties with key stakeholders

Promoting the positive contribution of SE members

Political engagement at a regional and national level

Creating a wide range of topical and relevant events

Increasing diversity and inclusion across all regional activity businesses

Increasing community engagement

By having active regions, we ensure that Scottish Land & Estates stays truly representative to its membership and we encourage you to get in touch and with any queries or concerns.

Updates from the South East

2020

The Midlothian Partnership Against Rural Crime (MPARC), launch and farm Walk and Talk

On 25 February the Midlothian Partnership Against Rural Crime (MPARC) was officially launched at Preston Hall Farms. We were delighted to welcome Councillor John Hackett John who officially announced the launch of MPARC. Inspector Alan Dron from the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) provided a presentation on their work and the greater priority given to tackling rural crime. Community sergeant, Michele Lindsay, explained how the work of SPARC fits into the work of MPARC and the regional priorities for the area. The presentations were followed by a networking lunch before a Walk and Talk around the farm, which gave practical guidance on how to improve farm security and the latest techniques to protect farm machinery and equipment.

Since the partnership formed in October 2019, significant work has been carried out to identify the array of rural crime specific to Midlothian and to promote local action. The partnership includes SLE, Midlothian Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire Service, NFUS, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland; Clare Sturla sits on the group for SLE.

The event was well attended with approximately 40 landowners and land managers attending from across the region. We are grateful to SLE member, Will Callander and family for hosting the event.

2019

South East Regional Reception, October 2019

On Tuesday 29th October 60 SLE Members attended the South East Regional Reception at Bowhill House, Selkirk.

The theme of the event was Natural Capital, which was led by an expert panel consisting of the Tweed Forum, Scottish Woodlands, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Buccleuch and SLE, that saw a stimulating debate on whether there is income in Natural Capital. The thought-provoking discussion demonstrated that Natural Capital is a subject that is growing in interest and needs to be discussed in further detail. Looking ahead, SLE will seek opportunities to provide greater clarity on the subject through member engagement and events.

SLE South East Regional Chairman, Trevor Jackson provided a regional update demonstrating the broad range of activity that is being carried out in the South East on behalf of members, from engaging with politicians and Local Authorities, facilitating Walk and Talk events. SLE Chairman, David Johnstone provided an organisational update explaining SLE’s latest political and policy priorities to ensure SLE is tackling the most pertinent issues affecting members.

The event concluded with an SLE panel discussion on the risks and opportunities facing our sector and how the organisation has positioned itself to ensure it is best placed to influence key decision makers and drive positive change.